On June 27, 2018, a tragic incident occurred in Roswell, New Mexico, resulting in the death of Johnny L. Fleming, a 32-year-old local resident. The event unfolded in the late night hours outside a residence located in the 1100 block of South Kentucky Avenue in south Roswell.
The Roswell Police Department received a call around 11:35 p.m. regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Johnny L. Fleming lying in the front yard of his residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate medical attention, Fleming was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation led to the swift identification and apprehension of a suspect. Jesus Arreola, a 35-year-old man originally from Portales but recently residing in Roswell, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Arreola was found alone in a car parked outside the Chaves County Sheriff's Office on St. Mary's Place, several blocks away from the scene of the crime.
At the time of his arrest, Arreola was on the phone with a dispatcher and then an RPD sergeant while remaining in the car. Law enforcement officers and sheriff's deputies were positioned around the vehicle, and an RPD officer observed that Arreola was holding a gun inside the car. After approximately 20 minutes, Arreola exited the car, leaving the gun behind, and surrendered without further incident.
Arreola was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Johnny L. Fleming. The rapid response and coordination between the Roswell Police Department and the Chaves County Sheriff's Office ensured that the suspect was apprehended quickly, preventing any further potential harm.
